Ginger

Ginger root essential oil is renowned for being an excellent digestive aid and helps relieve nausea; in its fresh incarnation, the aroma is mouth-wateringly delightful. The essential oil of ginger root from India is what many connoisseurs consider the finest grade.

Description

Botanical Name: Zingiber officinalisOrigin: IndiaPart Used: Fresh rootsProcess: Steam DistillationPlant Description: Native to the coastal regions of India; extensively cultivated in many tropical areas, primarily Jamaica, but also other Caribbean islands, west Africa, south China and south Japan. Ginger Root is an herb with thick, horizontally spreading, tuberous, perennial rhizomes. Propagation is almost always from cuttings of the rhizomes, with growth appearing above ground 10-15 days after planting (but sometimes up to two months after planting) as green reed-like stalks with narrow spear-like leaves. Ginger plants do not always produce flowers and in some regions flowering rarely occurs. Harvesting of the rhizomes occurs 9-10 months after planting, usually after the leafy stalks have turned yellow and wilted.Oil Description: Pale or golden yellow liquid (becoming more viscous with age and exposure to air). The aroma is warm, fresh, spicy-woody and somewhat sharp with initial slight lemon- and pepper-like top notes and sweet, tenacious undertones.Historical/Traditional Uses: Ginger Root is one of the oldest and most important spices in history. It was held in high regard by the ancient Greeks and Romans who were introduced to Ginger Root via Arabian traders; it was introduced to Europe in the 10th century, brought to the Americas by the Spaniards in the early 16th century, and exported back to Spain from Jamaica as early as 1547.Applications (Uses and Indications): In aromatherapy, Ginger Root essential oil is useful for treating jet lag, motion sickness, nausea, hangovers, loss of appetite, and stomachaches (especially after overeating). Ginger Root essential oil is said to sharpen the senses and aid memory, and is used to stimulate circulation and relieve arthritic pains. It has long been known as an aphrodisiac and is indicated as invaluable for treating impotency. In perfumery, Ginger Root essential oil is considered a middle to top note and blends well with lime and most other citrus oils, bay, cardamom, cedarwood, cinnamon, coriander, elemi, eucalyptus, frankincense, patchouli, neroli, rose, rosemary, sandalwood, spearmint, and vetiver.Contraindications (Safety and Precautions):Ginger Root essential oil is non-toxic and non-irritating except in high concentration; it is somewhat phototoxic and may cause skin sensitivity or dermal reaction in some individuals.Standard Safety Precautions:Always dilute essential oils before using. Keep essential oils out of the eyes and mucous membranes; in case of contact, DO NOT use water, instead place a drop or two of vegetable oil on a tissue to gently wipe out of eye or off area of contact. In severe cases, seek professional help immediately. Keep out of the reach of children. In case of ingestion, call 911 immediately.The FDA has not evaluated the statements on this website. No claims are made as to any medicinal value of this or any products from Ancient Ways Botanicals. The information presented here is for educational purposes of traditional uses and is not intended to prevent, diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. For external use only. You are responsible for understanding the safe application of these products.